Correlative Study of Tumor Hypoxia and Metastatic Potential in Breast Cancer

摘要

To study if tumor hypoxia is associated with metastatic potential in breast carcinoma. Scope: Breast cancer patients enrolled in an IRB approved study receive hypoxia marker pimonidazole intravenously. Tumor biopsy specimens are examined for pimonidazole binding (hypoxia) and for the bimolecular markers. Regional node metastases data are recorded. Major findings: To date, 19 patients have been enrolled on the study. Tumor hypoxia detected by pimonidazole ranges from 0-33% by an image analysis system. A semi-quantitative grading scale of 0-4 (O=no hypoxia, 4=highest amount of hypoxia) developed in cervix cancer studies and validated with the image analysis method is also useful in breast cancer hypoxia assessments. There have been no pimonidazole toxicities. Preliminary data of tumor hypoxia and microvessel density have been (Appendix 11-V). Status and Progress Report (in terms of results and significance): This is the first demonstration of tumor hypoxia detection in human breast cancer using pimonidazole. These data suggest a valuable role for correlative studies of tumor hypoxia with both clinical and bimolecular markers of tumor aggressiveness. . It is early to perform correlative studies of tumor hypoxia, axillary node metastases and other bimolecular markers, pending further accrual of patients on the study.